Recent studies have shown that sleeping in the lateral, or side position, compared to sleeping on your back or stomach, may remove brain wastes more effectively. Removing the waste more effectively can help reduce the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Sleeping in the lateral position is most common among humans and animals, which is the best position to efficiently remove the brain wastes. The brain’s glymphatic pathway, the complex system that clears wastes and other harmful chemical solutes, was examined with an MRI to determine this finding. The glymphatic pathway is most efficient during sleep so it is important to be in the proper position to have it work the best.
If you do not already sleep in the lateral position, try sleeping on your side! It may help you feel better and remove more brain wastes.